Heart failure

[hullexile]

Heart failure

After a bad night when I would happily have chosen to fall asleep and not wake up I thought I would write this. It is based on my experience and that of the three people I knew with heart failure, none very old, who have all now died.

Heart failure is quite common but generally in the elderly, average age of diagnosis is 76. Some of you will get heart failure, or your parents, so I thought a first hand report might be of interest. Short of a heart transplant it is not curable and the average life expectancy from diagnosis is 5 years. I am on 6 years but it is obvious in hindsight I had it long before. I used to faint or feel dizzy, I would get tired and feel weak. I suffered from periodic low blood pressure (after a jellyfish sting) and put it down to that. But diagnosis did not come until an echo cardiogram after the heart attack.

This chart shows the standard progression which I have followed perfectly.




So the crisis at the beginning with a heart attack or several. Recovery followed by a plateau where I could do an hour's fast walking every day. Even dreams of taking on another marathon. But despite feeling fine I obeyed the medical advice on keeping my heart rate below 90. (My normal resting heart rate was in the 40s)

Then I noticed my endurance was rapidly falling, 50 minutes, 30 minutes, slower and slower walking.
Finally becoming a very limited shuffle. Down from the plateau to the ups and downs shown in the diagram. The ups getting weaker and the downs worse.

Breathing became a major issue as it is apparently for most heart failure patients and the one that frequently sends them to hospital in a panic. It is like you are being suffocated.

But here I learned an important lesson. While there are physical reasons behind this concerning congestion in and around the lungs, the major issue I realised is that your heart is not pumping enough blood and so oxygen to the brain. Your brain then automatically screams out breath harder, breath harder, you are suffocating. That does almost nothing to help. It doesn't matter how hard you gasp for oxygen if it is not getting to your brain then nothing changes. Keeping this in my mind I have been able to stop the panic attacks and have even stopped using the oxygen generator.

Not that I don't feel I can't breath at times but a case of mind control. Still unpleasant but bearable.

Another issue is that if needed except in the dips I am capable of doing physical activity. The trouble is that I will pay for it later. An hour of very mild activity, a day in bed recovering . So even if I feel capable there is a need to limit myself.

The youngest of the three people, he was 39 or 40, kept very active but was frequently in hospital and died young.

Another was in his 60s and was still in the plateau stage. Felt pretty good, carried on as normal. Collapsed and died without warning.

The third one also in his 60s kept the plateau going longer, then was confined to bed and died a month later.

So my advice here is that even if you feel OK still limit yourself. Others of course would choose to live life to the full even if it is shorter. I have kids that I want to spend as long as possible with, it is a personal choice.

Overall, enjoy the ups and survive the downs. I am now at the end of the diagram. I feel shite whether I do anything physical or not, it is just a case of how shite. My wife has enforced bed rest. DO NOT DO ANYTHING. Not that I want to do anything. My heart beat is almost undetectable.

So if it happens to you then listen to the doctors, stay calm, and rest. Nurse your heart.

And prevention better than cure - especially when there isn't one

[PBPBPBPB]

No wonder no one has replied...

Hullexile, whoever would have known!

Thinking of you, and your enjoyable & informative posts. This one is max courageous - thank you, sincerely.

[Mediumrare]

You described everything my own mum went through. She was 69 when her heart finally gave out. Wish I had known even just 10% of what you’ve just shared, would have… I don’t know… been more attentive.

Side note: Your wife has sound advice.

[Gatts]

I don't have the right words to express myself, but I have known you here as an incredibly good person and always look forward reading your views and advice on here. Your post has made me very emotional. Bathe yourself with the love of your loved ones surrounding you in these days, that's what matters the most of all. And yes, listen to your wife!

[RobRoy]

It's a great reminder to treasure all the health we still have, take care and try to hang on and enjoy life for as long as possible!

[hullexile]

You described everything my own mum went through. She was 69 when her heart finally gave out. Wish I had known even just 10% of what you’ve just shared, would have… I don’t know… been more attentive.

Side note: Your wife has sound advice.

Sorry about your mum but good to hear my story resonates. Let's hope it helps others

I have to say your post moved me.

[Mediumrare]

I have to say your post moved me.

That’s how much of an impact your posts, not just this one but most of what you write here, have for me. I usually prefer to just read and click away, but this one hits close to home.

Thank you Hulle… you’re truly one of a kind.

[Chekki]

Overall, enjoy the ups and survive the downs. I am now at the end of the diagram. I feel shite whether I do anything physical or not, it is just a case of how shite. My wife has enforced bed rest. DO NOT DO ANYTHING. Not that I want to do anything. My heart beat is almost undetectable.

So if it happens to you then listen to the doctors, stay calm, and rest. Nurse your heart.

And prevention better than cure - especially when there isn't one

I'm very sorry to hear that. Thank you for posting your story with us. I'm pretty sure that people appreciate for being transparent and I can assure that is also very helpful to read your story.

I'm in the mid 30s, and I don't have any heart problems yet. However, I probably can relate this to my dad. I have heard that he has "heart disease", and it does worry some for me. My dad can leave the world at any time in which I hope not. This is a good point that you want to spend as much time as possible with your kids. My dad has said the same thing. Spending with family, friends, and seeing the world is I believe the most important value moment for most elderly.

As you mentioned that "listen to the doctors", may I know what the doctors commonly say to you?

[hullexile]

I'm very sorry to hear that. Thank you for posting your story with us. I'm pretty sure that people appreciate for being transparent and I can assure that is also very helpful to read your story.

I'm in the mid 30s, and I don't have any heart problems yet. However, I probably can relate this to my dad. I have heard that he has "heart disease", and it does worry some for me. My dad can leave the world at any time in which I hope not. This is a good point that you want to spend as much time as possible with your kids. My dad has said the same thing. Spending with family, friends, and seeing the world is I believe the most important value moment for most elderly.

As you mentioned that "listen to the doctors", may I know what the doctors commonly say to you?

Try and find out what he means by heart disease. It may or may not be heart failure.

There isn't a lot they can say to be honest. Plenty of medication. In the early days it was exercise regularly but don't overdo it. It is all about controlling and managing.

Oh zero stress is allowed which of course is impossible but family should be aware of this and avoid unnecessary stress.

[Ellenna]

I'm also struggling for words, unlike Hullexile who put them into wonderful use. Thank you for your post. Lots of love in your life from your family is a great thing and I am happy you have that. And I hope they will have that too for a long time still; sod all the doctor's predictions.